Five of the Biggest and Best Sporting Events NYC
By
Amelia Walker
Senior Content Writer Updated: 29 November 2023
Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer
Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.
Best Sporting Events NYC
- The Most Popular Sport In New York
- Popular New York Sporting Events: The Subway Series
- The New York Marathon: Run, NYC, Run
- The US Open: Where Tennis Legends are Made
- NBA Playoffs: Knicks and Nets
- New York Rangers: Hockey Nights in NYC
- Frequently Asked Questions
In today’s blog – sporting events NYC – we’re going to show you some of the biggest New York sporting events you can look forward to whether you’re a local resident, or a tourist wanting to experience the best of the city’s sports scene. Thankfully, sporting events in New York City are widespread, and whether you enjoy baseball, basketball, football – or pretty much anything in between – you’ll find it in the Big Apple! So, without further ado, let’s get started.
The Most Popular Sport In New York
What is the most popular sport in New York? Well, that’s somewhat of a subjective question – and depending on who you ask you may receive different answers. Football, baseball, hockey, and basketball are all the most popular sports in New York, and the city has teams for each of them.
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Popular New York Sporting Events: The Subway Series
New York City is home to some of the most dedicated baseball fans, and no New York sporting events get the city buzzing quite like the Subway Series. This series is a regular-season showdown between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, and it’s an event you’ve got to try and see at least once. The Yankees play their home games in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, while the Mets call Citi Field in Queens their home.
What’s great about the Subway Series is the way in which it divides the city along team lines – but in a friendly way. After all, this isn’t just about winning; teams (and fans) want bragging rights and the ability to prove to their fellow New Yorkers that they’re the best in the city. Amusingly, you’ll often find family members, coworkers, and friends split on who to support – and when the major matches take place, the city turns into one giant sports bar!
Of course, like all the sporting events NYC has to offer, going to see the games live is the best way of experiencing the action. However, don’t worry if you don’t manage to get tickets to a game. Local bars and restaurants show pretty much all matches, often putting on special deals and screenings.
The Subway Series has become so popular in NYC – it goes well beyond just a baseball game. It’s more like a cultural event in NYC and whether you’re a huge fan of one of the teams or just looking to experience some authentic New York City sports, you’d do well to check out the Subway Series.
The New York Marathon: Run, NYC, Run
Every November, NYC is filled with runners and spectators for the New York City Marathon. Like many marathons around the world, the NYC Marathon isn’t just open to elite athletes. Instead, it’s open to all – young or old, inexperienced or professional. Starting in Staten Island and taking place through all five boroughs, the marathon showcases the city in a unique way.
You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy the marathon. In fact, many New Yorkers say that the real fun is in watching it. Head to any street where it takes place and you’ll find the sidelines packed with enthusiastic fans, holding up signs, offering water, and cheering on the runners. Different neighborhoods offer their own flavor of support, from live bands in Brooklyn to quiet, quieter claps in more residential areas.
The marathon is also a big day for local businesses. Cafes, restaurants, and bars along the route usually offer specials to attract the crowds. Some even set up outdoor seating so you can enjoy a meal or drink while you watch the runners go by.
For runners, the NYC Marathon is often considered a bucket-list race. The energy of the crowd, the diverse scenery, and the sheer scale of the event make it one of the most exciting marathons in the world. So, whether you’re lacing up your running shoes or just looking to watch some of the action, the New York City Marathon is an event you don’t want to miss.
The US Open: Where Tennis Legends are Made
Held in Flushing Meadows, Queens, the US Open is the tennis event of the year for NYC. This two-week event usually starts in August and ends in early September, marking the end of the Grand Slam calendar. It’s not on the same level as Wimbledon, perhaps, but it’s not far behind – and it attracts spectators from all around the world.
Thankfully, getting to Flushing Meadows is easy, and once you’re there, you’ll find more than just tennis. The venue hosts a variety of food vendors, activities, and live music performances, making it a full-day experience. From your seat, you might catch a rising star upsetting a favorite or a legendary player further cementing their status. The energy of the crowd, combined with the tension of the matches, creates a thrilling atmosphere that captures everyone.
The US Open isn’t just about the top-seeded players, either; you’ll also find many lower ranked players who are hoping to make their mark. The event is also unique in that it runs at the end of summer, so many players are exhausted when it comes around – and this can often lead to unexpected surprises on the courts!
However, be warned; tickets for popular matches can get pricey, and you’ll need to try and snap them up well in advance. However, you’ll also find plenty of more budget-friendly options. Plus, even if you don’t spring for court-side seats, the venue’s large screens and excellent sound system ensure you won’t miss a moment of the action.
NBA Playoffs: Knicks and Nets
When basketball season rolls around, NYC gets hoop fever, especially when the Knicks or the Nets make the playoffs. The New York Knicks play at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, while the Brooklyn Nets take the court at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Both venues offer a high-energy setting that’ll get your adrenaline pumping.
For Knicks games, Madison Square Garden is the place to be. Known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” MSG has an electric atmosphere that can make even a regular-season game feel like a championship. When the Knicks make the playoffs, you’ll feel the entire city get behind them, from fans donning jerseys to billboards showcasing the team’s stars.
Over in Brooklyn, the Nets have been building a dedicated fan base since they moved from New Jersey in 2012. Playoff games at the Barclays Center are a showcase of modern basketball with an edgy, Brooklyn twist. LED displays, booming music, and crowd-rousing hype videos keep fans on their feet.
Both venues are surrounded by a variety of bars and eateries where you can catch the game if you’re not in the arena. Again, tickets can be hard to get – and they can be expensive – so try to plan well in advance!
New York Rangers: Hockey Nights in NYC
Hockey might not be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of NYC, but don’t underestimate the city’s love for the New York Rangers. Playing at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers offer a fast-paced, high-energy sporting event that’s a blast, even if you’re not a huge hockey fan.
One of the great things about a Rangers game is the crowd. Hockey fans are a dedicated bunch, and the energy in the arena is palpable from the moment you step inside. From the roars during a breakaway to the collective groan of a missed opportunity, you’re a part of the action just by being there.
Tickets can range from expensive to fairly reasonable, especially if you’re flexible on your seating. The arena’s design ensures that there’s not a bad seat in the house, so even the more budget-friendly options offer a great view. And if you’re new to hockey, don’t worry. The big screens offer replays and commentary that can help you keep up with the game.
Around Madison Square Garden, you’ll find a host of bars and restaurants where you can either pre-game or celebrate a win. Many of these places offer special deals on game days, making your night out more affordable.
Whether you’re a lifelong Rangers fan or just looking for a fun, fast-paced night out, a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden should be on your NYC sports bucket list.
